OAF News

2011 Christina and Louis Quilico Awards for vocal competition announced

Hosted by the Ontario Arts Foundation, the 2011 Christina and Louis Quilico Awards features the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio Members in a vocal competition

Toronto, April 1, 2011 - The Ontario Arts Foundation is pleased to host this year's Christina and Louis Quilico Awards in vocal competition, which will feature the rising young stars of the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio.

Taking place on April 20, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, COC Ensemble Studio members will compete by singing arias in front of judges Alexander Neef, General Director of the COC, David Speers, Artistic Director of Opera Hamilton, and John Hess, Co-Artistic Director of Queen of Puddings Music Theatre.

ìThe Canadian Opera Company is delighted to partner with the Ontario Arts Foundation for the 2011 Christina and Louis Quilico Awards. This year's initiative provides valuable experience for the young singers of our Ensemble Studio, who are developing their skills as professional artists on the cusp of major operatic careers,î says Alexander Neef, General Director of the COC.

The 2011 competition will take place in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W., Toronto. This event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 5 p.m. on April 20. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is limited.

About the Christina and Louis Quilico AwardsChristina Petrowska-Quilico established the Christina and Louis Quilico Fund in 2000 to honour her late husband, renowned baritone, Louis Quilico, and to recognize outstanding young singers, pianists and composers for voice. During his 45 years on the stage, Louis Quilico shared performing credits with Luciano Pavarotti, Pl·cido Domingo, José Carreras, Joan Sutherland and Renata Tebaldi. He was instrumental in furthering the careers of many young singers through his teaching and master classes. The Ontario Arts Foundation manages the endowment that funds the Christina and Louis Quilico Awards.

About the Ontario Arts FoundationEstablished in 1991 as a public charitable foundation, the Foundation holds over 300 endowments totalling more than $56 million and pays out over $2.5 million annually in support of the arts in Ontario.

About the COC Ensemble StudioThe COC Ensemble Studio is Canada's premier training program for young opera professionals and provides advanced instruction, hands-on experience, and career development opportunities. The Ensemble Studio is generously supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, ARIAS (formerly The Canadian Opera Volunteer Committee), In loving memory of Mr. George R. Bishop, from his family & friends, The John A. Cook Young Artist Development Fund, In honour of Earlaine Collins, In honour of Ninalee Craig, Estate of Horst Dantz and Don Quick, Michael & Lora Gibbens, Ethel Harris, The Audrey S. Hellyer Charitable Foundation, Peter & HélËne Hunt, Patrick & Barbara Keenan, The Hal Jackman Fund at the Ontario Arts Foundation, Jo Lander, Ruby Mercer Fund, George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation, Roger D. Moore Ensemble Studio Endowment Fund, RBC Foundation, Katalin Sch‰fer, In honour of Colleen Sexsmith, The Slaight Family, The Stratton Trust, William & Phyllis Waters, and an anonymous donor.